View from the Capitol by State Rep. Ed Schieffer

Over 2000 years ago, the greatest gift ever given to any of us was the infant Jesus. Luke 2:11 “For unto you is born this day. . . a child, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

As I enjoy the beautiful snow and the view of the Schieffer family farm, the cattle are eating hay. I think what it must have been like for Joseph and Mary that night they were seeking shelter, a place to have a baby. Can you imagine being turned down by the Innkeeper? “Sorry there is no room available, but you could stay in the stable.” They must have been glad to at least have a dry place to stay. With straw and the heat from the livestock, it would be warm enough to have the infant. We must never forget this was not Joseph and Mary’s plan; however, they accepted God’s plan and delivered to us the most perfect baby, our Messiah. In this humble setting with farm animals as witnesses, a miracle happened.

For centuries, prophets foretold of the “coming.” Angles told shepherds in nearby fields and a bright star guided three wise men to pay tribute to the new born King. Although, no account in the Bible mentioned the villagers of Bethlehem coming by to pay respect, I can’t imagine some not doing so. Don’t you think the Innkeeper must have at least checked on them?

As we try to relive in some small way that night in a manger, let us remember all of us came into the world as a baby. That is all of us who were allowed to be born! I thank God that my teenage parents chose to keep me, loved me, took care of me and guided me as Christians. They will be together and married for 65 years in 2014. My four sisters and brother and I have truly been blessed to have Albert “Sonny” and Betty Lou Schieffer for parents.

As Christians, we have a moral obligation to protect all life from the unborn to the elderly. It is not enough to just pray for life. We must put into practice methods to guarantee “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” We have a right to religious freedom, safe environment, a good education, appropriate mental and physical healthcare, adequate public services, the ability to defend ourselves and our country. We have the obligation to feed and provide for our families. The United States is blessed to be the richest agricultural country in the world. No one, especially children, should go to bed hungry in this great nation. We must continue to work towards “peace.” May God grant us “peace” in our body and soul. May our families be given peace. May our communities, states, country and world have peace. And may all enjoy the ultimate peace – the peace to be in Heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ! Merry Christmas!

As always, I respect your trust and value your advice, comments and questions. Let me know how I may serve you and your family. Now that the Legislature is adjourned, I am home in the District. I would be available to meet with groups or individuals locally. Please call me at (573)751-9459, toll free at (855)285-3781, locally at (636)299-3270 or (636)462-7295. If you wish to fax my office, our number is (573)522-0441. You may email me at ed.schieffer@house.mo.gov or elected11thmorep@excite.com. You may also check the final outcome of legislation at http://house.mo.gov .